The 2025 Oscars was an eventful night, filled with big wins, dazzling fashion, and emotional speeches. But despite all the glitz and glamor, there was one moment that left fans shocked and angry. The annual In Memoriam tribute, which is meant to honor the lives and legacies of those we lost in the past year, came under heavy fire after several notable names were left out.
While there were no major controversies surrounding the winners this year, the tribute segment caused an uproar online. Fans were expecting a heartfelt and respectful tribute, but instead, they were left frustrated and disappointed. Social media erupted with outrage as viewers pointed out that five beloved actors were missing from the tribute.
Alain Delon, Olivia Hussey, Tony Todd, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Shannon Doherty were all absent from the In Memoriam segment, and fans were not having it. Many took to social media to express their disbelief, questioning how such legendary figures could be overlooked. The backlash was immediate and intense, with many calling it one of the biggest snubs in Oscars history.
The Missing Stars That Fans Will Never Forget
Each of the actors who were left out had a significant impact on the entertainment industry, making their exclusion even more painful for fans.
Alain Delon, the French cinema icon known for his performances in films like Le Samouraï and Purple Noon, was one of the most glaring omissions. He was a legend in international cinema, influencing generations of actors and filmmakers. His passing was widely mourned, and many expected a touching tribute to honor his work. Yet, his name was nowhere to be found in the Oscars’ tribute.
Olivia Hussey, best known for her role as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet, was another shocking absence. Her performance in the 1968 classic made her an international sensation, and she continued acting for decades. Her fans were heartbroken to see that the Academy failed to recognize her contributions.
Tony Todd, a legend in the horror genre, also did not make it into the segment. Famous for playing the terrifying Candyman, Todd’s work in horror films and television left an unforgettable mark. Horror fans were especially outraged, as his contribution to the industry was undeniable. His exclusion sparked debates about the Academy’s treatment of horror actors in general.
Michelle Trachtenberg’s omission was particularly painful because news of her passing was still fresh. Just last week, the world learned of her tragic death. Many assumed the Academy would update the segment to include her, but that did not happen. Given her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gossip Girl, and EuroTrip, her absence felt like a glaring oversight.
Shannon Doherty, a beloved actress known for Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed, was also missing from the tribute. She had battled health issues for years, and when she passed away, fans and fellow actors paid tribute to her resilience and talent. The fact that she was not honored during the ceremony left many viewers deeply disappointed.
Social Media Erupts in Anger
As soon as the segment ended, fans took to social media to voice their outrage. Twitter (or X, as it is now known) was flooded with furious posts.
“Wait so the In Memoriam segment missed Alain Delon, Olivia Hussey, Tony Todd, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Shannon Doherty too? What is going on?” one user asked, reflecting the thoughts of many.
Another fan was even more direct: “How do you have glaring omissions for a f**king memoriam?”
A third person added, “Honestly everything about the In Memoriam was confusingly bad. Terrible music, no extended time dedicated to Lynch, and then also just leaving people out? Like how do you miss Michelle Trachtenberg when that just happened?”
Even those who were used to the Academy’s occasional oversights were shocked by how many big names were missing this time.
One particularly passionate horror fan tweeted, “Neither BAFTA nor The Academy included Tony Todd in their In Memoriam. Livid doesn’t cover it. Rest in peace, king.”
The backlash was not just limited to fans. Some industry professionals also weighed in, expressing disappointment in the Academy’s decision. Several journalists and film critics called out the Oscars for what they saw as a lack of care and respect in putting together the tribute.
Is There a Solution to the In Memoriam Controversy?
The controversy has reignited an ongoing debate about the In Memoriam segment. Every year, someone gets left out, and every year, fans get angry. Some believe the Academy should find a way to ensure no major names are excluded, while others think the segment should be done away with altogether.
One viewer suggested, “If the Academy wants the show to be shorter, one of the easiest things they could do would be to kill the In Memoriam. It’s never done well and it always leaves people out.”
Another person added, “In Memoriam is too brief really, for a life’s work. It’s a Catch 22 when you’re keeping to schedule. No real answer to it.”
There have been suggestions that the Academy should create a digital In Memoriam page where all industry professionals who passed away that year could be honored. This way, those left out of the televised segment would still be recognized in an official capacity.
Despite all the criticism, the Academy has yet to release an official statement addressing the backlash. In previous years, they have defended their choices by saying the segment is limited in time and that they cannot include everyone. However, that reasoning has never satisfied upset fans, and it certainly is not working now.
The Oscars 2025 Will Be Remembered for the Wrong Reasons
While the 2025 Academy Awards had its fair share of memorable moments, this controversy has cast a shadow over the night. Instead of people talking about the winners and the amazing films celebrated, much of the discussion has revolved around the missing names from the In Memoriam.
This was supposed to be a moment to reflect on and appreciate the contributions of those we lost. Instead, it has turned into a major misstep for the Academy. Fans will not forget the names that were left out, and for many, this will be yet another example of how out of touch the Oscars can sometimes be.
Until the Academy finds a better way to handle the In Memoriam tribute, controversies like this will keep happening. And each time, it will feel just as frustrating and heartbreaking as it does now.
The only question left is: Will the Academy listen and do better next year? Or will another batch of beloved stars be left out once again?